How To Protect Your Skin Before Swimming

Swimmer wearing Arena cap and goggles performing breaststroke in a pool with lane dividers

Summary:

  • Before swimming, apply sunscreen, lip protection, and light moisturizer to protect your skin from chlorine and sun exposure.

  • Hydrate, wear appropriate swimwear fabric, and protect sensitive areas with extra sunscreen for added defense against sun damage.

  • Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours to maintain protection from UV rays and keep your skin healthy.

Your skin is exposed to more than just water whether you are going to the pool or the beach. Even bacteria, sun exposure, salt and chlorine can have their toll and leave your skin dry, irritated or damaged. The good news? These are the few steps that you can take before you are in the water that will make a great difference in ensuring that your skin remains healthy and hydrated, and remains glowing.

Use a Waterproof Sunscreen

Sinoz SPF 50+ anti dark spot sunscreen tube next to a straw hat with shell and bead decoration and sunglasses

Alcoholic beverages should be avoided when in the sun. Use it 15-20 minutes prior to swimming in order to ensure that it absorbs well into your skin, and that it also gives you excellent protection against the UV rays.

Don’t Skip Lip Protection

Open book with white earphones, apricot fruits, and a beige lipstick on a striped fabric surface outdoors.

The sun and water cause your lips to be very sensitive. Apply lip balm with SPF to avoid the problem of dryness, cracking, and sunburn during your swimming.

Apply a Light Moisturizer like a Barrier

Person applying white lotion on the back of their hand against a pink and purple background

ADVERTISEMENT

Before swimming, it is possible to apply a light, non-greasy moisturizer that would provide a protective layer. This assists in trapping down the moisture as well as decreases the drying forces of chlorine or saltwater.

Braids Your Hair and Secures Your Hairline

Woman in a blue swimsuit tying her braided hair by a swimming pool

When paying attention to skin, do not overlook such parts as the hairline or neck. Pinch your hair behind your head and use sunscreen all around these frequently neglected areas so that you do not tan or get irritated.

Stay Hydrated

Woman wearing black sunglasses and a denim jacket drinking from a pink and yellow cup with a straw at the beach

The skin begins to be healthy internally. Also drink plenty of water before going out since when your body is hydrated, your skin is in its mode of providing a natural shield against the external factors and its strength.

Select The Appropriate Swimwear Fabric

 

ADVERTISEMENT

Young woman with curly hair wearing a light blue long-sleeve top standing indoors with hands on hips.

Friction and irritation can be prevented with the help of well-fitted breathable swimwear. There are even fabrics with UV protection to provide your skin with a second level of protection.

Develop Further Defense of Sensitive Areas

Woman applying SPF 50+ sunscreen lotion on her face at a sunny beach with palm trees in the background

Such parts of the body as your face, shoulders, and back are more susceptible to sun damage. Place a little bit of sunscreen on a bit longer over this part and keep re-applying it in case you are spending more time in the water.

Plan for Reapplication

Woman applying white sunscreen cream on her face outdoors with eyes closed

Even the sunscreen that is waterproofed fades. Always have your sunscreen and replace it after every two hours or as soon as you get out of the swimming pool so that you remain covered.

More headlines